Grade Four Curriculum Picks
Picks can be purchased from Anchor Academic (using your PO#) or from one of our comprehensive vendors. Other options, such as borrowing from the Learning Commons Search Portal or Sora virtual eBook library or purchasing from our Used Bookstore, may also be available.
Vendor websites are pick-and-choose and some optional or alternate suggestions may be listed, so select your items with care.
Overview Of Grade 4 Curriculum Picks
Here is an overview of the curriculum picks that we suggest for Grade 4. Please note that some subjects provide more than one option. For more information about the curriculum, please refer to the information under Detailed Information for Grade 4 Curriculum Picks.
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English Language Arts |
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Mathematics |
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Science (all of these)
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Biology, Chemistry, Physics: My Pals are Here Science International 2nd Edition (Marshall Cavendish) Level 4 Textbook, Workbook and Teacher's Guide
Students using My Pals are Here Level 4 should focus on units 1, 2, 5, and 8. Teachers may request students supplement in areas where this resource does not completely address standards. See correlations.
Biology
Lesson 11 of Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology addresses the Grade 4 standard of humans sensing and responding to their environment. This resource is also recommended for the Grade 5 and 6 picks (a full description can be found here). If students do not have easy access to this textbook in Grade 4, they can complete Chapter 11 in Grade 5.
Use What is a Biome? as a supplementary resource if the student did not complete "Adventures on Planet Earth" in Grade 3. It is also available in the Sora eBook library.
Earth/Space
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Social Studies |
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Bible/Christian Studies |
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Optional Resources (not detailed below)
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Detailed Information for Grade 4 Curriculum Picks
English Language Arts
OPTION A: Lightning Literature Gr 4 Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide with poetry book and readers
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Type of Resource: Home Education Curriculum Description: Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to instill a love of literature in students, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts. The key components of this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. The Teacher’s Guide contains the answers to the comprehension questions and the grammar pages, instructions for daily composition, a discussion guide for each book, and suggestions for additional activities. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. The author’s goal in writing this series is to “instill a love of great literature in children, expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, improve their communication abilities, and prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts.” The three key components to this series are literature, grammar and mechanics, and composition. This year, students read a variety of great children’s literature, classic and modern. Two books written in verse encourage students to explore poetry in different ways than they may have previously. An inspiring nonfiction story of a boy’s quest in Africa to bring electric power to his home provides lessons on expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative writing. The consumable four-color Student Worktext contains comprehension questions, discussion questions, instruction on grammar (including sentence diagramming), workbook pages, and a reading journal. Workbook answers are in the Teacher’s Guide. The Workbook and Guide can be purchased separately, in a set together, or in a pack with the readers. You’ll need something else for teaching spelling, learning to read, and penmanship.
Samples: Teacher Intro, Teacher's Sample, Student Workbook Sample Other Optional or Supplementary Resources: Worksheets |
OPTION B: Language Lessons for a Living Education 4 with 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible; Sarah, Plain and Tall novel with Literature Kit (or alternate); Growing up in Wild Horse Canyon by Karen Autio with teacher's guide
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Type of Resource: Workbook Description: This course utilizes a story-based approach, using Charlotte Mason's ideas for the modern homeschool student with character-building themes. Each quarter has five stories, two picture studies (one of which is biblically-based), and two poems (one of which is a psalm). Using the spelling words and the Dictionary Worksheets, the student will create their very own dictionary as they move week by week through the material. This course incorporates picture study, memorization, grammar and punctuation, spelling and vocabulary, observation, and application through creating their own stories through pictures, sentences, paragraphs, poems, psalms, and letters. This course also develops reading skills and gently develops narration skills.
Students will build on and reinforce essential communication skills as they achieve proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and reading comprehension. Independent reading and mastery of effective sentences and paragraphs are at the heart of this course. Students will enjoy poem, hymn, and picture studies and faith-growing stories to inspire detailed and descriptive paragraphs. Activities include memorizing poems, Scripture, and the books of the Bible, creating a dictionary, gentle narration and copy work, and critical thinking games to hone and apply their writing and reading skills creatively. Additional copy work, fun games, and activities are in the back for extra practice of key grammar concepts and spelling, making the course easily adaptable to meet the needs of each student. Writing stamina is built up gradually. By the end of the course, students should be able to comfortably write a four to five-sentence paragraph. 101 Favorite Stories from the Bible is a required resource for this program.
Other Optional or Supplementary Resources Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence")
Sarah, Plain and Tall Novel with Literature Kit Type of Resource: fiction novel and workbook Description: Students begin by imagining the hardships of living as a pioneer on the American prairies. Answer true or false questions about Sarah's letter to Anna and Caleb. Complete sentences from the story with their missing vocabulary words. Do some investigation to learn about mica, something that Sarah says her dune sparkled with. Use events from the story to inspire a tercet poem. Students imagine interviewing Sarah about her experiences. The comprehension quiz works great as a study guide for a final exam. Written to Bloom's Taxonomy; additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included.
Growing Up in Wild Horse Canyon by Karen Autio with Free Teacher's GuideType of Resource: nonfiction picture book Description: explores Okanagan history by focusing on Wild Horse Canyon in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park (south of Kelowna, BC) and its vicinity. This narrative nonfiction picture book, with illustrations by Loraine Kemp, includes natural and social history.
A hidden canyon in British Columbia's southern interior, a ponderosa pine tree sprouts. Seasons pass as the tree grows, witness to generations of human history in the Okanagan Valley, from First Nations quests to fur brigades, horse wrangling, secret wartime commando training, to the firestorm of 2003. Richly illuminated by maps, illustrations and historical images and informed by a timeline and historical notes, this fascinating book weaves First Nations history with European settlement and natural history. By following the thread of one tree growing in one sheltered and sacred space, award-winning author Karen Autio gently explores patterns of colonization that will resonate with readers all over North America.
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Mathematics
Singapore Primary Mathematics 2022 Edition is not mentioned here because as the grades progress, it is more difficult to "jump in" to this method of learning. It is still a strong option and can be considered for students looking for an academically rigorous curriculum. A placement test is strongly recommended before selecting a level.
Option 1: Math Lessons for a Living Education 4
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Type of Resource: workbook
Description: teaches math concepts through engaging, real-life stories and practical application. In Level 4, a summer spent in Peru has meant a lot of changes for Charlie, Charlotte, and their growing family! Your student joins them as they see new sights on a family trip, explore the role math plays in their adventures, develop important character traits, apply critical thinking skills, and discover how mathematical concepts interact with the world around them. Math is a living subject that happens all over everyday life! In Math Lessons for a Living Education Level 4, students learn math concepts such as fractions, metric units of measurement, basic geometry, and averaging through exciting, real-world stories and applications. A blend of stories, copy work, oral narration, and hands-on experience brings the concepts to life, invites the student to explore the world around them, and gives this math course a Charlotte Mason flavour. This course includes a convenient Daily Schedule, short, engaging 15-30 minute lessons, full-colour worksheets, an answer key, a manipulatives section, and convenient perforated pages. Students will learn:
Table of Contents (under "Scope & Sequence") |
Option 2: Dynamic Classroom Math Grade 4 Workbook
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Description: curriculum aligned for each Province. Easy for students to get started due to the clear explanations with guided examples and step-by-step solutions. Students gain confidence by working through exercises that are structured for all ability levels. Unit tests provide students and parents with feedback on topic mastery. Students and parents have access to video lessons that are directly connected to the book and provide that extra level of support to gain confidence and excel in math (video lessons are optional and cost extra). Supplementary Resources: video lessons, free resources |
Option 3: Jump Math New Canadian Edition Student 4.1 and 4.2 - Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 4 (Parts 1 and 2)
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Type of Resource: workbooks Description: in conjunction with the New Canadian Edition of JUMP Math's teacher resources, Student Assessment & Practice (AP) Book 4 is designed to cover the curriculum for Grade 4 mathematics, with units on:
The New Canadian edition of AP Book 4 is printed in two parts, Book 4.1 and Book 4.2. In order to cover the full curriculum, students will need both parts.
On pages where there are multiple grade options, choose the correct grade from the dropdown menu. Teacher Resource/Lesson Plans (free when you register online as a Teacher) Other Optional or Supplementary Resources
Table of Contents (free when you register online as a Teacher) Sample Pages (free when you register online as a Parent)
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Science
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
My Pals are Here Science International 2nd Edition (Marshall Cavendish) Level 4 Textbook, Workbook and Teacher's Guide
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Type of Resource: classroom curriculum Description: My Pals are Here Science focuses on awareness, collaboration, and critical and inventive thinking using an inquiry-based approach. The program is for Grades 1-6 and is based on the principles of engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. Includes many engaging hands-on activities and caters to various learning styles. Although this series was written for a classroom environment, it can be easily adapted for a home learning setting.
My Pals Are Here! 2nd Edition Gr K-6 Science Correlations to BC's Curriculum Standards |
Biology
Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology (Apologia)
Lesson 11 addresses the Grade 4 standard of humans sensing and responding to their environment. This resource is also recommended for the Grade 5 and 6 picks (a full description can be found here).
What is a Biome? by Bobbie Kalman
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Type of Resource: nonfiction book This supplementary resource can be added if the student did not complete "Adventures on Planet Earth" in Grade 3. It is also available in the Sora eBook library.
Description: the earth has over 30 types of biomes, some of which are home to thousands of ecosystems. All of the plants and animals living in these huge natural areas depend on one another for survival. Children will love learning about life in each major biome. Using simple-to-understand text and beautiful images, What is a Biome? clearly defines the concepts of biome and climate and covers:
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Earth/Space
Earth, Sun, and Moon Unit Study Kit
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Type of Resource: HCOS Unit Study Kit
Description: Expand your knowledge of the earth, sun, moon, and beyond! This unit will take your child’s knowledge of the earth and our solar system to a deeper level, while providing them with opportunities to conduct research and design their own experiments! You will investigate seasonal changes, view the moon, experience myths and legends, take a virtual field trip to the surface of the moon, discover nocturnal animals, write a psalm of praise, build your own solar oven, make a sundial, and much more! You will be able to read engaging books, watch fun and fantastic videos, play games, make crafts, and choose from dozens of projects to create the ultimate self-directed learning experience for your fourth grader.
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Social Studies
Courage and Conquest: Discovering Canadian History 7th Edition by Northwoods Press
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Type of Resource: softcover student home education resource book Description: a chronological study of Canadian History including all major events in the settlement of Canada to Confederation. Each lesson includes references to literature sure to captivate the student's interests. Text, reproducible work pages and timeline picture with each lesson. Includes exciting living text geared for upper elementary. Assignments with each lesson introduce the Six Historical Thinking Concepts for critical thinking. Colour timeline pictures complement each lesson. Historical fiction titles are listed for each topic, both in print and out of print for library users. While this resource is most suitable for upper elementary, all ages can benefit. The following additional resources are recommended to deepen the quality of learning not essential to this independent guide.
Digital Content: To collect digital content on a product you have purchased Login (or create a user account) and enter the code inside the front cover on the Redeem Code Field (original purchaser only). A sample of this book can be seen in the photos on this page. |
Bible/Christian Studies
Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him?
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Type of Resource: Student Textbook
Description: introduces the concept of worldview while laying the foundational truths upon which a biblical Christian worldview is built. Our children are bombarded on a daily basis with competing messages. Every song, movie, book, TV show, blog, and game is full of ideas about truth, morality, beauty, identity, faith, and more. Not all of these ideas are true. Some are wrong, some are deceptive, and some are outright destructive. Young children must be equipped to discern among competing ideas and stand firm in the truth. Concepts covered include:
Note from Curriculum Consultant: this resource is most suitable for students in Grades 4-8 but could be used for children as young as 6 and as old as 14 in a multi-grade learning environment. This resource could be used for family devotions and discussions. Other Optional or Supplementary Resources |